一、Part Ⅱ Listening Comprehension
1、Question 1 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、It studied the effects of exercise on sleep.
B、Its participants came from various walks of life.
C、Its findings confirmed those of previous studies.
D、It ran for as long as some thirty years.
2、Question 2 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、Eating more vegetables instead of meats.
B、Drinking water instead of beverages with added sugar.
C、Consuming more energy drinks and sports drinks.
D、Forming the habit of exercising regularly.
3、Question 3 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、He asked them about his lost paintings.
B、He knew the owner of two missing paintings.
C、He left his paintings at a highway rest stop.
D、He found two 17th-century oil paintings.
4、Question 4 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、They are imitations.
B、They are originals.
C、They were stolen by an Italian boy.
D、They came from the same artist.
5、Question 5 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、Look after her grandfather.
B、Leave the remote cold region.
C、Save her sick grandmother.
D、Flee from the threat of bears.
6、Question 6 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、She has to face a criminal charge.
B、She was found lying motionless in the snow.
C、She searched for her daughter in freezing cold.
D、She works in childcare services.
7、Question 7 is based on the news report you have just heard.
A、She was found in a forest after three days.
B、She lay totally unconscious for three days.
C、She suffered from the effects of severe cold.
D、She was finally rescued by her relatives.
8、Question 8 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、She shows a real passion for taking photos.
B、She has just returned from her hometown.
C、She comes from the city of Cape Town.
D、She has a truly amazing appearance.
9、Question 9 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、It is as famous as Cape Town.
B、It has a flat surface at the top.
C、It is green and free from pollution.
D、It was named by European settlers.
10、Question 10 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、She has British ancestors.
B、She is of mixed blood.
C、She grew up in India.
D、She speaks several languages.
11、Question 11 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、It is an extremely violent sport.
B、It is becoming a national sport.
C、It is originated in New Zealand.
D、It is more popular than football.
12、Question 12 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、Prepare a study guide.
B、Consult his advisors.
C、Go over his notes regularly.
D、Take stress-relief sessions.
13、Question 13 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、His worksheets are terribly messy.
B、He finds the workload too heavy.
C、His study folder is badly disorganized.
D、He has difficulty taking notes quickly.
14、Question 14 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、A visual learner.
B、An emotional learner.
C、An organized learner.
D、A logical learner.
15、Question 15 is based on the conversation you have just heard.
A、Arrange them using color and pictures.
B、Restructure them in a logical way.
C、Commit them to memory after class.
D、Organize them into a well-connected story.
16、Question 16 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、It is mainly based on a society’s religion.
B、It is interpreted differently in different times.
C、It is a code of conduct based on laws and ethics.
D、It is a moral principle to guide people’s behavior.
17、Question 17 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、It may lead to misunderstanding despite good intentions.
B、It assumes that human beings are all good-natured.
C、It may sometimes produce undesirable outcomes.
D、It fails to consider the complexity of human relationships.
18、Question 18 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、The golden rule is often in conflict with certain laws and ethical principles.
B、The golden rule must sometimes give way to more important principles.
C、Failure to follow the golden rule may lead to violation of laws and ethics.
D、Observing the golden rule is the first step to becoming a responsible citizen.
19、Question 19 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、Many of them find it rather difficult to manage.
B、They have not seen as much diversity as desired.
C、Many of them have an increasingly diversified staff.
D、They have not quite grasped the concept of diversity.
20、Question 20 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、Initiatives to achieve diversity in large corporations.
B、Advantages and disadvantages of a diversified team.
C、People’s attitudes towards diversity at the workplace.
D、Innovative ideas and solutions resulting from diversity.
21、Question 21 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、People prefer to work with team members similar to themselves.
B、Employers attach great importance to their corporations’ diversity.
C、Employers differ from employees in their perspectives on diversity.
D、Doubts about the practicability of diversity are gradually disappearing.
22、Question 22 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、Choosing the best time for signing a business contract.
B、Changing one’s form of communication from time to time.
C、Laying equal stress on written and spoken communication.
D、Using different forms of communication appropriately.
23、Question 23 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、They are regarded as seriously binding.
B、They are seldom honored by business partners.
C、They are taken as memos of understanding.
D、They are to be confirmed in written form.
24、Question 24 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、It has reached the highest level of evolution.
B、It places a high value on written contracts.
C、It regards written contracts as unalterable.
D、It has seen a decline in verbal agreements.
25、Question 25 is based on the passage you have just heard.
A、Its details cannot be renegotiated.
B、It has to be carried out to the letter.
C、It strengthens business partnerships.
D、Its terms may not be strictly binding.
二、Part III Reading Comprehension
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
26、(1)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
27、(2)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
28、(3)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
29、(4)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
30、(5)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
31、(6)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
32、(7)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
33、(8)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
34、(9)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list while grocery shopping, chances are you’ve seen the term “natural flavors”. But have you taken a (26)_____ to consider what these natural flavors actually are?
Most of us might think that “natural flavors” are, well, naturally good for us. A recent study in the journal Appetite found that when the word “natural” appears on packaging, people (27)_____ that the food within is indeed healthier. In truth, natural flavors do not (28)_____ much, at least chemically speaking, from their flavor-boosting (29)_____: artificial flavors. Both can be made in a lab by trained flavorists, but artificial flavors use chemicals to give a product a (30)_____ smell or taste.
Natural flavors come from plant or animal (31)_____, like fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, or milk that is then processed or refined in some way. In short, natural flavors are (32)_____ from plants and animals to create specific flavors for processed foods. But that does not (33)_____ make it easier to tell what is really in your food. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not (34)_____ the term, companies can use it to refer to pretty much anything derived from a plant or animal. And natural flavors can also include a variety of chemical additives, such as preservatives. The FDA doesn’t require companies to reveal what additional chemicals a specific item (35)_____.
So if you want to know for certain what you’re getting with your groceries, you might want to stick to the farmer’s market.
35、(10)
A、necessarily
B、defined
C、differ
D、acknowledge
E、second
F、implies
G、chance
H、especially
I、sources
J、particular
K、counterparts
L、strange
M、perceive
N、contains
O、extracted
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
36、36. Fraudsters often steal villa-booking information from authentic holiday websites.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
37、37. Fraudsters keep changing their bank accounts to avoid being tracked.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
38、38. It is suggested that people not going on the holiday might help detect website frauds.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
39、39. More and more British holidaymakers find the seaside villas they booked online actually nonexistent.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
40、40. By checking an agent’s name online before booking a villa, holidaymakers can avoid falling into traps.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
41、41. Fraudsters are difficult to identify, according to an online safety expert.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
42、42. Holidaymakers have been alerted to the frequent occurrence of online villa-booking frauds.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
43、43. It is holidaymakers that can protect themselves from falling victim to frauds.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
44、44. Holidaymakers are advised not to make payments by bank transfer.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Fake holiday villa websites prompt warning
【A】During the British winter, the thought of two weeks in a coastal villa (别墅) with soul-stirring views of the sea and a huge pool to enjoy is enough to offset (抵消) the labor until the holidays start. For a growing number of people, however, their yearly break is turning into a nightmare as they find that the property they have paid thousands for does not exist and the website through which they booked it has disappeared.
【B】Consumers have been warned to be aware of the potential for deception in this market, which is far from uncommon. In 2017 there were 1,632 cases of reported “villa fraud (诈骗)”, with victims losing an average of £2,052, according to Action Fraud, the national center for reporting such frauds. “Millions of pounds are lost each year by defrauded holidaymakers,” says Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
【C】The problem has ballooned in the last 10 years, with frauds becoming more and more sophisticated. The fake websites have authentic-sounding names involving a mix of keywords, typically including the place name, “summer”, “villas” or “rentals”. Details of legitimate (合法的) villas are often stolen from other sites. “When the fraudsters first started it was unsophisticated—the websites looked amateur and there wasn’t a lot of effort,” says Tipton. “Now they are clever. They extensively rip off legitimate websites and use a different website name. They’ll have pictures of a sales team and it might be a poor actor in New York that is down as their head of sales.”
【D】Fraudsters target popular seaside destinations for British tourists visiting Spain where prices can soar if demand exceeds supply. Prices are kept within reasonable ranges to avoid arousing suspicion. “A villa might cost £5,000 elsewhere and they will offer it at say £3,500. But a bit of a giveaway is that the villa will be cheaper than on other websites and there’s unlimited availability,” says Tipton. Fraudsters also invest in pay-per-click advertising to feature at the top of search engines when people type in phrases such as “Spanish seaside villas”.
【E】With such a degree of professionalism, how can consumers find out if the website they’re looking to book with is trustworthy? “When people book holiday villas they are doing so through rose-colored glasses,” says Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online. “They should be Googling the property, and looking on websites like Google Maps and StreetView to see if it’s there. Also, speak to the person you’re booking the villa with on a landline phone, as fraudsters tend to only use mobiles.” He also suggests asking someone not going on the holiday to have a look at the website. “They might spot problems you don’t spot.” Another potential red flag is being asked to pay by bank transfer. “The problem is that when the money leaves your account it’s in theirs straightaway and it’s very hard to track it,” says Barclays’ Bank head of digital safety, Jodie Gilbert. “We generally recommend other forms of payment, like credit card.”
【F】Little seems to be known about these fraudsters. “There is no way to definitely know who they are,” says Neate. “It could be anyone. It could be your next-door neighbor or organized crime in Russia.” Action Fraud says people should ensure the company renting the villa is a member of a recognized trade body such as ABTA.
【G】“By working with industry partners such as ABTA and Get Safe Online, we are able to issue alerts about the latest threats they should be aware of. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud,” it adds. ABTA says it is trying to combat the issue by running public awareness campaigns. “It’s a growing problem and people can’t stop fraudsters being dishonest,” says Tipton. ”They’re still going to do it. It’s not impossible to stop but as it’s internet-based it’s harder to pursue.”
【H】Nick Cooper, the founder and co-owner of villa booking company Villa Plus, estimates his company has uncovered more than 200 fake villa websites over the past two years, and doesn’t believe enough is being done. “It is hopeless to report fake villa websites to the internet giants who host them,” he says. “I found it impossible to speak to anyone. Also, once one bank account gets reported, they simply use another.”
【I】For now the only way to stop fraudsters appears ultimately to lie in the hands of the consumer. “When people book their holidays they get so emotionally involved, and when they find that villa at a good price with availability in peak season, they are an easy target,” says Cooper. “The public has to learn to be far more aware they are a target for these sorts of frauds.” But it’s not just the financial cost. “A family will turn up at a villa and find out it doesn’t exist or the owner doesn’t know who you are,” says Tipton. “The problem then is you have to find accommodation at short notice. It can be incredibly expensive but it’s the emotional cost, too.”
【J】Carla O’Shaughnessy from Sydenham was searching last year for a good deal to book a villa in Majorca for a summer break for the family. “I was comparing prices online and found one that came in a bit cheaper than others,” says O’Shaughnessy. She emailed the company via its website, asking how far the villa was from the airport and about local restaurants. “They came back with believable answers; it was all very friendly and professional,” she says. Happy with the responses, O’Shaughnessy paid the full amount of £3,000 via bank transfer into the travel agent’s account and then forgot about it until a month before the booking.
【K】“I tried logging on to the website and couldn’t,” she recalls. I Googled the agent’s name and there were lots of complaints about him being a fraudster. If only I’d Googled before but I never thought of it.” Although she found another villa in time for their holiday, she admits she was much more cautious. “I paid through a secure third-party site and had phone conversations with the agent. But I wasn’t able to relax until we turned up and I had the keys.”
45、45. Fraudster advertise their villas at reasonable prices so as not to be suspected.
A、A
B、B
C、C
D、D
E、E
F、F
G、G
H、H
I、I
J、J
K、K
Social media can be a powerful communication tool for employees, helping them to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems. Research has shown that 82% of employees think social media can improve work relationships and 60% believe it can support decision-making processes. These beliefs contribute to a majority of workers connecting with colleagues on social media, even during work hours.
Employers typically worry that social media is a productivity killer; more than half of U.S. employers reportedly block access to social media at work. In my research with 277 employees of a healthcare organization I found these concerns to be misguided. Social media doesn’t reduce productivity nearly as much as it kills employee retention.
In the first part of the study I surveyed the employees about why and how they used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Respondents were then asked about their work behaviors, including whether they felt motivated in their jobs and showed initiative at work. I found employees who engage in online social interactions with co-workers through social media blogs tend to be more motivated and come up with innovative ideas. But when employees interact with individuals outside the organization, they are less motivated and show less initiative.
In the second part of the study I found 76% of employees using social media for work took an interest in other organizations they found on social media. When I examined how respondents expressed openness to new careers and employers, I found that they engaged in some key activities including researching new organizations and making new work connections.
These findings present a dilemma for managers: employees using social media at work are more engaged and more productive, but they are also more likely to leave your company. Managers should implement solutions that neutralize the retention risk caused by social media.
They can create social media groups in which employees will be more likely to collaborate and less likely to share withdrawal intentions or discussions about external job opportunities. Managers can also use social media to directly reduce turnover (跳槽) intentions, by recognizing employees’ accomplishments and giving visibility to employees’ success stories.
46、46. What does previous research about social media reveal?
A、Most employees think positively of it.
B、It improves employees’ work efficiency.
C、It enables employees to form connections.
D、Employees spend much of their work time on it.
Social media can be a powerful communication tool for employees, helping them to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems. Research has shown that 82% of employees think social media can improve work relationships and 60% believe it can support decision-making processes. These beliefs contribute to a majority of workers connecting with colleagues on social media, even during work hours.
Employers typically worry that social media is a productivity killer; more than half of U.S. employers reportedly block access to social media at work. In my research with 277 employees of a healthcare organization I found these concerns to be misguided. Social media doesn’t reduce productivity nearly as much as it kills employee retention.
In the first part of the study I surveyed the employees about why and how they used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Respondents were then asked about their work behaviors, including whether they felt motivated in their jobs and showed initiative at work. I found employees who engage in online social interactions with co-workers through social media blogs tend to be more motivated and come up with innovative ideas. But when employees interact with individuals outside the organization, they are less motivated and show less initiative.
In the second part of the study I found 76% of employees using social media for work took an interest in other organizations they found on social media. When I examined how respondents expressed openness to new careers and employers, I found that they engaged in some key activities including researching new organizations and making new work connections.
These findings present a dilemma for managers: employees using social media at work are more engaged and more productive, but they are also more likely to leave your company. Managers should implement solutions that neutralize the retention risk caused by social media.
They can create social media groups in which employees will be more likely to collaborate and less likely to share withdrawal intentions or discussions about external job opportunities. Managers can also use social media to directly reduce turnover (跳槽) intentions, by recognizing employees’ accomplishments and giving visibility to employees’ success stories.
47、47. What did the author’s own research find about social media?
A、It influences employees’ work negatively.
B、It does much harm to employee loyalty.
C、It kills employees’ motivation for work.
D、It affects employers’ decision-making.
Social media can be a powerful communication tool for employees, helping them to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems. Research has shown that 82% of employees think social media can improve work relationships and 60% believe it can support decision-making processes. These beliefs contribute to a majority of workers connecting with colleagues on social media, even during work hours.
Employers typically worry that social media is a productivity killer; more than half of U.S. employers reportedly block access to social media at work. In my research with 277 employees of a healthcare organization I found these concerns to be misguided. Social media doesn’t reduce productivity nearly as much as it kills employee retention.
In the first part of the study I surveyed the employees about why and how they used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Respondents were then asked about their work behaviors, including whether they felt motivated in their jobs and showed initiative at work. I found employees who engage in online social interactions with co-workers through social media blogs tend to be more motivated and come up with innovative ideas. But when employees interact with individuals outside the organization, they are less motivated and show less initiative.
In the second part of the study I found 76% of employees using social media for work took an interest in other organizations they found on social media. When I examined how respondents expressed openness to new careers and employers, I found that they engaged in some key activities including researching new organizations and making new work connections.
These findings present a dilemma for managers: employees using social media at work are more engaged and more productive, but they are also more likely to leave your company. Managers should implement solutions that neutralize the retention risk caused by social media.
They can create social media groups in which employees will be more likely to collaborate and less likely to share withdrawal intentions or discussions about external job opportunities. Managers can also use social media to directly reduce turnover (跳槽) intentions, by recognizing employees’ accomplishments and giving visibility to employees’ success stories.
48、48. What did the author find in his study about the effect of online social interactions?
A、It differs from employee to employee.
B、It tends to vary with the platform used.
C、It has much to do with whom employees interact with.
D、It is hard to measure when employees interact with outsiders.
Social media can be a powerful communication tool for employees, helping them to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems. Research has shown that 82% of employees think social media can improve work relationships and 60% believe it can support decision-making processes. These beliefs contribute to a majority of workers connecting with colleagues on social media, even during work hours.
Employers typically worry that social media is a productivity killer; more than half of U.S. employers reportedly block access to social media at work. In my research with 277 employees of a healthcare organization I found these concerns to be misguided. Social media doesn’t reduce productivity nearly as much as it kills employee retention.
In the first part of the study I surveyed the employees about why and how they used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Respondents were then asked about their work behaviors, including whether they felt motivated in their jobs and showed initiative at work. I found employees who engage in online social interactions with co-workers through social media blogs tend to be more motivated and come up with innovative ideas. But when employees interact with individuals outside the organization, they are less motivated and show less initiative.
In the second part of the study I found 76% of employees using social media for work took an interest in other organizations they found on social media. When I examined how respondents expressed openness to new careers and employers, I found that they engaged in some key activities including researching new organizations and making new work connections.
These findings present a dilemma for managers: employees using social media at work are more engaged and more productive, but they are also more likely to leave your company. Managers should implement solutions that neutralize the retention risk caused by social media.
They can create social media groups in which employees will be more likely to collaborate and less likely to share withdrawal intentions or discussions about external job opportunities. Managers can also use social media to directly reduce turnover (跳槽) intentions, by recognizing employees’ accomplishments and giving visibility to employees’ success stories.
49、49. What problem was found with employees using social media for work?
A、They seldom expressed their inner thoughts.
B、Most of them explored new job opportunities.
C、They were reluctant to collaborate with others.
D、Many of them ended with lower productivity.
Social media can be a powerful communication tool for employees, helping them to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems. Research has shown that 82% of employees think social media can improve work relationships and 60% believe it can support decision-making processes. These beliefs contribute to a majority of workers connecting with colleagues on social media, even during work hours.
Employers typically worry that social media is a productivity killer; more than half of U.S. employers reportedly block access to social media at work. In my research with 277 employees of a healthcare organization I found these concerns to be misguided. Social media doesn’t reduce productivity nearly as much as it kills employee retention.
In the first part of the study I surveyed the employees about why and how they used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Respondents were then asked about their work behaviors, including whether they felt motivated in their jobs and showed initiative at work. I found employees who engage in online social interactions with co-workers through social media blogs tend to be more motivated and come up with innovative ideas. But when employees interact with individuals outside the organization, they are less motivated and show less initiative.
In the second part of the study I found 76% of employees using social media for work took an interest in other organizations they found on social media. When I examined how respondents expressed openness to new careers and employers, I found that they engaged in some key activities including researching new organizations and making new work connections.
These findings present a dilemma for managers: employees using social media at work are more engaged and more productive, but they are also more likely to leave your company. Managers should implement solutions that neutralize the retention risk caused by social media.
They can create social media groups in which employees will be more likely to collaborate and less likely to share withdrawal intentions or discussions about external job opportunities. Managers can also use social media to directly reduce turnover (跳槽) intentions, by recognizing employees’ accomplishments and giving visibility to employees’ success stories.
50、50. What does the author suggest managers do to neutralize the retention risk?
A、Give promotions to employees for their accomplishments.
B、Create opportunities for employees to share success stories.
C、Acknowledge employees’ achievements through social media.
D、Encourage employees to increase their visibility on social media.
In the coming era of budget cuts to education, distance learning could become the norm.
The temptation for those in charge of education budgets to trade teachers for technology could be so strong that they ignore the disadvantages of distance learning. School facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and teachers are expensive to employ. Online classes do not require buildings and each class can host hundreds of people simultaneously, resulting in greater savings, thus increasing the temptation of distance education for those concerned more about budgets than learning. But moving away from a traditional classroom in which a living, breathing human being teaches and interacts with students daily would be a disaster. Physically attending school has hidden benefits: getting up every morning, interacting with peers, and building relationships with teachers are essential skills to cultivate in young people. Moreover, schools should be more than simple institutions of traditional learning. They are now places that provide meals. They are places where students receive counseling and other support.
Those policy-makers are often fascinated by the latest technology in education and its potential to “transform” education overnight. But online education does not allow a teacher to keep a struggling student after class and offer help. Educational videos may deliver academic content, but they are unable to make eye contact or assess a student’s level of engagement. Distance education will never match the personal teaching in a traditional classroom. In their first 18 years of life, American children spend only 9% of their time in school. Yet teachers are expected to prepare them to be responsible citizens, cultivate their social skills, encourage successful time management, and enhance their capacity to flourish in an increasingly harsh labor market. Given these expectations, schools should not become permanently “remote”.
The power of the classroom is rooted in the humanity of the people gathered in the same place, at the same time. Personal teaching is about teachers showing students a higher path, and about young people going through the process together. Technology, no matter how advanced, should simply be a tool of a good teacher.
51、51. What mainly accounts for the possibility that distance learning could become the norm?
A、Advances in education technology.
B、Shrinking financial resources.
C、Shortage of school facilities.
D、Lack of qualified teachers.
In the coming era of budget cuts to education, distance learning could become the norm.
The temptation for those in charge of education budgets to trade teachers for technology could be so strong that they ignore the disadvantages of distance learning. School facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and teachers are expensive to employ. Online classes do not require buildings and each class can host hundreds of people simultaneously, resulting in greater savings, thus increasing the temptation of distance education for those concerned more about budgets than learning. But moving away from a traditional classroom in which a living, breathing human being teaches and interacts with students daily would be a disaster. Physically attending school has hidden benefits: getting up every morning, interacting with peers, and building relationships with teachers are essential skills to cultivate in young people. Moreover, schools should be more than simple institutions of traditional learning. They are now places that provide meals. They are places where students receive counseling and other support.
Those policy-makers are often fascinated by the latest technology in education and its potential to “transform” education overnight. But online education does not allow a teacher to keep a struggling student after class and offer help. Educational videos may deliver academic content, but they are unable to make eye contact or assess a student’s level of engagement. Distance education will never match the personal teaching in a traditional classroom. In their first 18 years of life, American children spend only 9% of their time in school. Yet teachers are expected to prepare them to be responsible citizens, cultivate their social skills, encourage successful time management, and enhance their capacity to flourish in an increasingly harsh labor market. Given these expectations, schools should not become permanently “remote”.
The power of the classroom is rooted in the humanity of the people gathered in the same place, at the same time. Personal teaching is about teachers showing students a higher path, and about young people going through the process together. Technology, no matter how advanced, should simply be a tool of a good teacher.
52、52. What does the author say is one possible benefit of students attending school physically?
A、Developing the habit of getting up early.
B、Eating nutritionally well-balanced meals.
C、Growing into living and breathing human beings.
D、Cultivating relationships with peers and teachers.
In the coming era of budget cuts to education, distance learning could become the norm.
The temptation for those in charge of education budgets to trade teachers for technology could be so strong that they ignore the disadvantages of distance learning. School facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and teachers are expensive to employ. Online classes do not require buildings and each class can host hundreds of people simultaneously, resulting in greater savings, thus increasing the temptation of distance education for those concerned more about budgets than learning. But moving away from a traditional classroom in which a living, breathing human being teaches and interacts with students daily would be a disaster. Physically attending school has hidden benefits: getting up every morning, interacting with peers, and building relationships with teachers are essential skills to cultivate in young people. Moreover, schools should be more than simple institutions of traditional learning. They are now places that provide meals. They are places where students receive counseling and other support.
Those policy-makers are often fascinated by the latest technology in education and its potential to “transform” education overnight. But online education does not allow a teacher to keep a struggling student after class and offer help. Educational videos may deliver academic content, but they are unable to make eye contact or assess a student’s level of engagement. Distance education will never match the personal teaching in a traditional classroom. In their first 18 years of life, American children spend only 9% of their time in school. Yet teachers are expected to prepare them to be responsible citizens, cultivate their social skills, encourage successful time management, and enhance their capacity to flourish in an increasingly harsh labor market. Given these expectations, schools should not become permanently “remote”.
The power of the classroom is rooted in the humanity of the people gathered in the same place, at the same time. Personal teaching is about teachers showing students a higher path, and about young people going through the process together. Technology, no matter how advanced, should simply be a tool of a good teacher.
53、53. What does the author think of the latest technology in education?
A、It may have potential disadvantages.
B、It may render many teachers jobless.
C、It may add to students’ financial burden.
D、It may revolutionize classroom teaching.
In the coming era of budget cuts to education, distance learning could become the norm.
The temptation for those in charge of education budgets to trade teachers for technology could be so strong that they ignore the disadvantages of distance learning. School facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and teachers are expensive to employ. Online classes do not require buildings and each class can host hundreds of people simultaneously, resulting in greater savings, thus increasing the temptation of distance education for those concerned more about budgets than learning. But moving away from a traditional classroom in which a living, breathing human being teaches and interacts with students daily would be a disaster. Physically attending school has hidden benefits: getting up every morning, interacting with peers, and building relationships with teachers are essential skills to cultivate in young people. Moreover, schools should be more than simple institutions of traditional learning. They are now places that provide meals. They are places where students receive counseling and other support.
Those policy-makers are often fascinated by the latest technology in education and its potential to “transform” education overnight. But online education does not allow a teacher to keep a struggling student after class and offer help. Educational videos may deliver academic content, but they are unable to make eye contact or assess a student’s level of engagement. Distance education will never match the personal teaching in a traditional classroom. In their first 18 years of life, American children spend only 9% of their time in school. Yet teachers are expected to prepare them to be responsible citizens, cultivate their social skills, encourage successful time management, and enhance their capacity to flourish in an increasingly harsh labor market. Given these expectations, schools should not become permanently “remote”.
The power of the classroom is rooted in the humanity of the people gathered in the same place, at the same time. Personal teaching is about teachers showing students a higher path, and about young people going through the process together. Technology, no matter how advanced, should simply be a tool of a good teacher.
54、54. What does the author say teachers are expected to do?
A、Enhance students’ leadership capacity.
B、Elevate students to managerial positions.
C、Enable students to adapt to the changes in life.
D、Prepare students to be competitive in the future.
In the coming era of budget cuts to education, distance learning could become the norm.
The temptation for those in charge of education budgets to trade teachers for technology could be so strong that they ignore the disadvantages of distance learning. School facilities are expensive to build and maintain, and teachers are expensive to employ. Online classes do not require buildings and each class can host hundreds of people simultaneously, resulting in greater savings, thus increasing the temptation of distance education for those concerned more about budgets than learning. But moving away from a traditional classroom in which a living, breathing human being teaches and interacts with students daily would be a disaster. Physically attending school has hidden benefits: getting up every morning, interacting with peers, and building relationships with teachers are essential skills to cultivate in young people. Moreover, schools should be more than simple institutions of traditional learning. They are now places that provide meals. They are places where students receive counseling and other support.
Those policy-makers are often fascinated by the latest technology in education and its potential to “transform” education overnight. But online education does not allow a teacher to keep a struggling student after class and offer help. Educational videos may deliver academic content, but they are unable to make eye contact or assess a student’s level of engagement. Distance education will never match the personal teaching in a traditional classroom. In their first 18 years of life, American children spend only 9% of their time in school. Yet teachers are expected to prepare them to be responsible citizens, cultivate their social skills, encourage successful time management, and enhance their capacity to flourish in an increasingly harsh labor market. Given these expectations, schools should not become permanently “remote”.
The power of the classroom is rooted in the humanity of the people gathered in the same place, at the same time. Personal teaching is about teachers showing students a higher path, and about young people going through the process together. Technology, no matter how advanced, should simply be a tool of a good teacher.
55、55. Why couldn’t technology replace a good teacher?
A、It lacks humanity.
B、It is still immature.
C、It cannot track students’ growth.
D、It cannot cater to personal needs.
三、Part IV Translation
56、 从前，有个农夫正在地里耕作，突然看见一只兔子飞奔而过，撞在一棵大树上死了。农夫毫不费力就吃到了兔肉，心里非常高兴。他想，“如果总是这样该多好啊！”于是，他不再耕作，每天守候在那棵树旁，等待着能再捡到撞死在树上的兔子。他等呀等，等了一天又一天，田地也荒芜了，却再也没有等到第二只兔子。人们因而都嘲笑他把偶然当成了必然。
参考答案：
参考译文
Once upon a time, a farmer was farming in the fields when he suddenly saw a rabbit dash past and crash into a large tree dead. The farmer was overjoyed as he ate the rabbit meat effortlessly. He thought, “It would be great if it was always like this!” So, he stopped farming and waited by the tree every day, hoping to pick up more rabbits that hit the tree and die. He waited and waited day after day, with his fields deserted, but he never saw another rabbit. Therefore, he was laughed at for taking chance as certainty.
四、Part I Writing
57、Directions: Suppose you are going to write a proposal to your school clinic for improving its service. You are to write about its current problems and possible solutions to these problems. You will have 30 minutes to write the proposal. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.
参考答案：
参考范文
Dear Sir or Madam,
After hearing about some complaints about our school clinic’s service, as a college student, I’m writing to propose a few suggestions to address its current problems.
As far as I am concerned, the current problems of our school clinic involve its short opening hours, low medicine storage and lack of publicity. To begin with, the school clinic ought to extend its opening hours and provide a 24-hour call service in case of emergencies. Moreover, in order to cope with different kinds of diseases, the school clinic should prepare a few more varieties of common medicine. Lastly, it would be nice if the school clinic could regularly organize activities to popularize some healthcare knowledge among teachers and students.
As an indispensable component of our campus, the school clinic should better ensure the well-being of the students as well as the teaching staff. I look forward to its further improvement and I hope my proposal could be adopted.
Best Wishes,
Li Ming
参考译文
尊敬的先生或女士：
由于听说了一些针对我们校医室服务的投诉，作为一名大学生，在此我想提出一些建议，以解决目前存在的问题。
在我看来，我们校医室目前存在的问题包括开放时间短、药品种类少和缺乏宣传。首先，校医室应该延长开放时间，并提供24小时呼叫服务，以防有紧急情况发生。此外，为了应对不同的疾病，校医室应该准备更多种类的常用药。最后，如果校医室能够定期组织活动，在老师和学生中普及一些医疗保健知识，那就太好了。
校医室作为校园里不可或缺的一部分，应该更好地保障学生和教师的健康。我期待着它的进一步改进，也期望我的建议能够得到采纳。
祝好，
李明
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